What to Wear if You're Short

Peter Manning is much more concerned with the twenty-five percent. As in the quarter of the male population that is technically shorter than the average height of five feet and eight inches, and thus not properly addressed by a vast majority of the fashion world. "It's just a terrible thing when you can't find what you need," says Manning, who left a career as a theater producer to launch his eponymous label in March of last year.

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"There's a stigma around the whole short thing and I'm trying to do away with it," the designer continues. "I want the brand to focus on this underserved demographic. We have a responsibility to help this guy out." Manning offers a tight edit of the core pieces that make up the modern man's wardrobe: jeans, chinos, button-down shirts, sweaters, and blazers make up a bulk of his line, all with a timeless, classic point of view.

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The real difference comes in the cut, but Manning is quick to point out it's not as simple as you'd think. "You can't just go and cut two inches off the bottom of your pants. It throws the whole balance and shape off; it affects the taper of pant. It's more about how to sculpt the clothes in the right way," he explains. Not only did Manning have to rework the fit of the actual apparel, he also had to devise a new measuring system. "If we're working with shorter guys, what does 'small' or 'large' mean?" His is a number system (one through four) that is assigned after customers enter their height and weight on his site.

Almost two years after launching, Manning — who operates only online — has shipped to all 50 states, plus internationally, and says that he's discovered an unexpected customer base: the wives and girlfriends of the 5'8"-and-under man (they don't want to see your jeans pooling at your ankles, either, it seems). "Some guys don't even know that they're pants are too long or their shirt is too big. We have to educate them. They don't know that there are other options."